Jason Manford has been confirmed as the host of this year’s Royal Variety Performance, the organisers announced Monday, replacing Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, who will not present the gala this year.
Manford, 44, last fronted the long-running charity entertainment evening in 2020 when the show was produced with a virtual audience because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he was "genuinely chuffed" to be asked back and welcomed the prospect of a live crowd after his 2020 appearance, when performers and presenters adapted to remote audiences and social distancing measures.
The Royal Variety Performance will return to the Royal Albert Hall and will be staged in front of members of the Royal Family, organisers said. The annual event typically showcases music, comedy, dance and speciality acts and benefits the Royal Variety Charity, which supports entertainers in need.
Holden and Carr took over presenting duties in 2024 after Bradley Walsh stood down. Their pairing marked a new presenting duo for the show, but organisers confirmed Manford will lead this year’s programme. Representatives for Holden and Carr were contacted for comment.
Manford reflected on differences between the staged-in-person event and the pandemic-era production, joking about the oddities of performing to a virtual audience. He recalled the 2020 show feeling like "doing a gig in front of a Curry's window" and quipped about the unpredictable moments that come with live entertainment.
The 2024 ceremony was attended by King Charles, while Queen Camilla was absent due to illness. During last year’s broadcast, the King was captured laughing in the royal box at a stand-up routine by Yorkshire comic Scott Bennett, who drew amusement with a routine about camping zips.
The Royal Variety Performance has a decades-long history of showcasing a wide range of acts and often features appearances by prominent national and international performers. Producers typically announce the full line-up and broadcast arrangements in the weeks ahead of the gala; organisers said details for this year’s programme will be released later.
Manford, a stand-up comedian and television presenter, has hosted numerous variety and comedy events in the U.K. and has performed across theatres and television. His return to the Royal Albert Hall continues a tradition of comedians and entertainers taking the presenting role for the charity gala.
Further information about the date, performers and broadcast partners for this year’s Royal Variety Performance is expected from organisers in due course.